I was contacted by the creators of Yummie Tummie awhile back and was thrilled with the project, How To Wear The Little Black Dress. Yummie Tummie started off with undergarments to shape our womanly figures and now, they’ve branched off by creating apparel with the shapewear built in. As you all know, I’m not a thin girl by any means and I’ve got lovely bumps and lumps all over this God-given body. I also know that a lot of readers appreciate that I realize this and dress for the body I have. The product of Yummie Tummie is perfect for someone like me who hasn’t quite achieved that “toned body” I’ve been wanting.

I’ve styled the Shelley Tank Dress a few different ways for a few different occasions. Now, I don’t normally dress in all kinds of tightness from top to bottom so wearing the dress alone is out of the question. However, it was the perfect shape to layer on a few pieces to develop a new look each time.

Shelley Tank Dress | thrifted Dana Buchman blazer | vintage elephant belt

This dress screamed classic-the length, the cut, the style and color, of course. I thought the most appropriate way to wear it was give it a retro, Jackie-O, Mrs. Obama type of dress. Because of the dress length, I felt that the points on the edge of the blazer would create a great peplum shape when belted. I placed the belt over the blazer and dress to define my waist. The good thing about this dress is that it smoothed all my lumps and bumps. I felt comfortable enough to show my derrière.

thrifted Liz Claiborne dress (worn vest-like) | Riki wool coat (gift) | Shelley tank dress | UO cat eye sunnies

I consider this something I’d wear on a date although I’ve most definitely been dateless for the past few months (laughing inside, really). I got this coat as a gift from my previous boss and it’s one of my favorites she’s made. It’s so warm and the pockets are deep. I wore the thrifted dress over the Shelley tank dress because it created color accents without completely changing the essence of the Shelley dress. I knotted the middle section of the thrifted dress to create a tight figure and also creating its’ own belt. Also, for the holidays, this could be great with a textured tight and a fur stole. I feel like the more you layer, the more holiday you get.

Shelley tank dress | thrifted skirt | Guess slingbacks | vintage elephant belt | Express leather jacket

This outfit is perfect for drinks with the girls. It’s got that sexy, edgy yet pulled together appeal that I like.  Because the leopard skirt is sheer, wearing a fitted shape underneath gives a great illusion that I have a tight little body underneath which indeed, I don’t. I wore the leopard skirt over it to separate the dress, creating a top and bottom. You can do that with any style skirt. If I had a short, A-line skirt to wear at my waist like here, I would have done that.

fur from LF | vintage Ralph Lauren belt | Shelley tank dress | American Apparel blouse | Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots | vintage scarf (worn as a head bow)

This is how I would rock this dress on the daily. Like I’ve said, I wouldn’t wear this dress on its’ own because it doesn’t suck in all my goodies. As you all know, I love sheer and adding the American Apparel blouse underneath, like you would a white button down under a sheath, is my interpretation of work, play and trendy-esque. I’ve got to say that I love the way it makes my bottom half look. I just wished it sucked in more of my tummy.

If you’re loving how this dress fits, get yours here!

Make-up by Heather Roberts | Photography by Heather Roberts

How do you wear your favorite black dress?